The former president of the United States, Donald Trump (2017-2021), held a rally in the key state of Pennsylvania, where the Hispanic vote will be crucial. During the event, Trump promised to bring economic prosperity to Latinos in the United States while stigmatizing newly arrived migrants to the country, labeling them as 'criminals.'
In Allentown, a majority-Hispanic city with a significant Puerto Rican presence, Trump assured that the Hispanic community would be grateful to him if he reached the presidency. He promised to take care of Hispanic families, defend religion, and create more jobs, wealth, and factories. However, Trump did not address the xenophobic comments made by a comedian during a previous rally in New York, which generated backlash across different political sectors.
In Pennsylvania, a key state in the elections, the Latino vote is expected to carry significant weight. More than 580,000 Latinos will be able to exercise their right to vote this year in the state, representing 6% of the regional population. Polls show a tight race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, with results similar to those of previous elections.
During his speech, Trump dodged criticism for his government's response to Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, claiming he did more for the island than any other president. However, the management of the hurricane crisis has faced harsh criticism, especially regarding the delay in sending aid to the island following the devastation caused by the storm.
Trump reiterated his anti-immigration stance, describing migrants arriving at the southern border of the United States as 'murderers, drug traffickers, and gang members.' His focus on immigration was present throughout his intervention, where he stated that the country has become a 'dump' due to the arrival of people from other places, especially from countries like Venezuela, Haiti, and Honduras.
